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NBA Basketball Arena Review - Air Canada Centre
In downtown Toronto, the Air Canada Centre stands on Bay Street as a testament to one of the great young franchises in the National Basketball Association, the Toronto Raptors. "The Hangar," as it is known to many who frequent the arena, was constructed from 1997-1999, with February of '99 being the official opening for the building. The future host of the Pan Am Games in 2015, the home of the Raptors can seat just under 20,000 screaming fans for any given attraction that it hosts.

To get to the Air Canada Centre, take either Hwy 11 or Hwy 401 depending on which direction you are coming from. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system also provides easy access for arrival or departure from the home of the Toronto Raptors. Trains usually run every 5-10 minutes and Union Station is connected the the Air Canada Centre by an underground tunnel so NBA fans can access the arena without setting foot outside.

The famous Maple Leaf Gardens served as the inspiration for the interior of Air Canada Centre, and many fans can now pay homage to past basketball and hockey greats alike who have passed through Toronto at some point during their athletic career.  During a Raptors game, the colors on the oversized scoreboard jump right off the screen and do a fantastic job of engaging all of those in attendance. There are also plenty of scoreboard panels that can be seen from any angle in the arena, so you are never left wondering what the score might be.

If you are looking for the perfect place to eat before, during, or after a Toronto Raptors basketball game at the Air Canada Centre, be sure to check out Smirnoff Ice Box for all of your dietary and beverage needs. An expansive bar/restaurant setting awaits Raptors fans that are looking to satisfy their need for sustenance. There are also over 40 concession stands located throughout the building in the two public concourses that are inside Air Canada Centre. From pizza to sub sandwiches to donuts and coffee, there is something for every kind of taste at one of the many concession outlets.

Restaurants, bars, and general nightclubs are all available once the Raptors game has reached its conclusion. The Harbour Sports Grill gives you the opportunity to get a great view of Toronto Harbour while enjoying casual dining in a great sports bar setting. If you are looking for a more upscale experience with the best view of the city of Toronto, head to the CN Tower for dinner at 360 restaurant.  360 restaurant is located over 1,000 feet above the city and features a magnificent revolving view of Toronto along with an exceptional menu that's on par with the finest international cuisine.  

According the ESPN, the best sports bar in North America is located just across the street from the Air Canada Centre.  Simply look for Real Sports Bar& Grill and prepare to be amazed.  A two-story HD flatscreen keeps sports fans actively engaged in the world of sports, while a solid menu of food and drink awaits fans that can arrive early enough to get a table.      If you prefer stop in on a few local watering holes as part of a pregame pub crawl, be sure to check out Hoops Sports Bar and Grill and The Loose Moose near the ACC or venture into the Old Town area to grab a brew at Flatiron & Firkin, The Jersey Giant, Scotland Yard Pub, or Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub.  All are solid choices for pregame libations.  For more information on these local haunts, be sure to check out my Toronto Raptors Review.

Arriving early to enjoy all that Toronto has to offer or even spending an extra night in town will offer you a great opportunity to visit some excellent local attractions. The CN Tower, which is the tallest free-standing building in the Western Hemisphere, is a great photo opportunity to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Hockey Hall of Fame is also located in downtown Toronto offering visitors the chance not only to marvel at the accomplishments of the greatest players in the history of the game but also see special memorabilia in a museum-type setting. The city of Toronto is a melting pot for all kinds of cultures, which is exemplified by the international cuisine options that are offered through the city. The theatre district not only offers world class entertainment, but it also provides some of Toronto's best restaurants. King Street is an essential stop if you are looking for some of the best food that Toronto has to offer and don't forget to stop by the clubs on Richmond Street, as this locale has some of the most exciting nightlife in the city.

The Air Canada Centre provides a very modern basketball experience from one of the newer franchises in the league, the Toronto Raptors. The city of Toronto is a beautiful city all by itself, but when you add in the fact that the Air Canada Centre is located right in the heart of downtown Toronto, you can't help but marvel at the building's fascinating qualities which make Air Canada Centre one of the top arenas in the NBA.


For more information on the city of Toronto, Ontario check out my other reviews by clicking on the links below:
     NBA: March 18, 2011 - Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors
     NHL: March 19, 2011 - Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
     NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs, Air Canada Centre - General Information
 

 
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